India's Forgotten World War II Heroes: How 2.5 Million Indian Soldiers Shaped Allied Victory

While the world focused on India's fight for independence, the experiences of those involved in World War II on the Indian front are often overlooked. India's involvement in WWII had a global reach and left lasting negative impacts within the subcontinent. Over two and a half million Indian soldiers served in WWII, making India's the largest volunteer army in history. The British borrowed billions of pounds from India to fund the war, yet the Indian contribution remains largely forgotten. Despite their sacrifice, Indian soldiers were not recognized by the British, and the stories of their involvement are fading from collective memory.

Begum Pasha Shah of the WAC (1) on duty in the Orderly Room of an RAF

During the war, Indian politicians were deeply divided, exacerbating existing tensions between communities. Although many Indian soldiers fought alongside the British against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, some supported the Axis powers. This was due to the belief that Indian independence was more important than fighting for the British cause. Many Indians viewed the British as morally compromised, considering the violence they had inflicted on India during colonial rule. Interestingly, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan even drew inspiration from British colonialism as they pursued their own imperial and genocidal ambitions.

Despite these conflicting views, over two million Indians volunteered to fight for the British during the war. Indian soldiers were deployed not only across South Asia but also in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In many cases, these soldiers fought to protect British freedom, even though they were denied the same rights as colonial subjects. They were poorly paid and provided with inferior living conditions compared to their British counterparts. Still, without Indian support, the Allies would not have been able to maintain their strength against the Axis powers.

India's role at WW 2

Geographically, India played a crucial role by serving as a blockade between Imperial Japan and Nazi Germany, preventing them from coordinating their efforts in the Middle East. This separation was vital to the Allies, as an alliance between Japan and Germany could have allowed them to control vital resources, such as oil in the Middle East, potentially tipping the war in their favor.

Following the Fall of Dunkirk in 1940, Britain urgently needed more soldiers to defend its borders, and India's large army proved invaluable. Indian troops played key roles in important battles across North Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Despite being under-equipped, they contributed significantly to the victories in these regions.

Indian soldiers also faced brutal conditions closer to home, particularly in Singapore, Malaya, and Burma. When Japan invaded Singapore in 1941-42, much of the British defense was provided by Indian troops. However, the British misled Indian soldiers by claiming the Japanese planes were American, leaving them trapped in enemy territory. This betrayal led to the deaths of many Indian soldiers. The Japanese used captured Indian soldiers as targets for shooting practice, and those who survived were subjected to horrific conditions as prisoners of war. Some were forced to work long hours with little food, while others were tortured or even cannibalized during food shortages. Nearly 60,000 Indians were taken as prisoners by Japan.

British Commander and Indian Crew Encounter

In response to this betrayal, many Indians joined the Indian National Army (INA) to fight for independence. Led by Mohan Singh, the INA initially allied with Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, believing they could help free India from British rule. The INA grew to around 20,000 members, and later, Subhas Chandra Bose took over leadership. Despite his controversial alliance with the Axis powers, Bose remains a hero to many in India. After some unsuccessful attempts to advance into India from Burma, the Japanese and INA were eventually forced to retreat. Though they did not achieve their goal, the INA's role in the struggle for independence remains significant in India's history.

India's map before Independence

The war also brought untold suffering to civilians in India. Cities like Delhi and Madras were bombed by the Japanese, and millions of people were displaced from their homes. This upheaval created divisions and tensions that continue to affect the region today. Additionally, children were pulled from schools for safety reasons, which contributed to a rise in illiteracy. Many veterans who fought for the British received inadequate pensions, perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Furthermore, the British government's actions during the war worsened conditions in India. The Bengal Famine of 1943 was one example of British neglect. British policies and wartime strategies led to severe inflation and food shortages, and rather than addressing the crisis, Churchill prioritized British profits. As a result, nearly three million people died from starvation and disease.

Today, scholars and activists are working to highlight these forgotten stories of India's role in WWII. These narratives not only provide a more accurate history but also draw attention to the injustices and contradictions of the war and colonialism. Understanding both Indian independence and India's involvement in WWII together reveals the complex forces of freedom, justice, and morality that shaped the subcontinent during this tumultuous period.